Multi-function unit, server and network system having multi-function unit

ABSTRACT

A multi-function unit includes a printer engine, a logical copying machine carrying out a copying process with respect to a recording medium by the printer engine, and a plurality of logical printers carrying out printing processes with respect to the recording medium by the printer engine. The logical copying machine and the logical printers carry out apparent parallel operations.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/046,663,filed Mar. 24, 1998, now allowed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to multi-function units, serversand network systems having multi-function units, and more particularlyto a multi-function unit having multi-functions which include thefunctions of a scanner, facsimile machine, copying machine, printer,document registering unit, display unit and the like, and to a serverwhich is coupled to such a multi-function unit, and also to a networksystem having such a multi-function unit.

Conventionally, it is known to process information in a computer systemincluding a plurality of computers which are coupled by a network suchas a local area network (LAN). In such a computer system, informationcan be printed on a printer which is coupled to the LAN by sending aprint instruction to the printer from each computer. However, in such acomputer system, a copying machine and the like are not coupled to theLAN, and the copying machine and the like themselves are provided asindependent equipments with respect to the computer system.

If a facsimile machine and a copying machine are respectively providedindependently of the computer system, for example, the space utilizationefficiency is poor, and the cost of the system increases by a sum of thecosts of the two independent equipments, namely, the facsimile machineand the copying machine. Hence, a multi-function unit having both thefacsimile function and the copying function has been proposed. But evenin the case of this proposed multi-function unit, the multi-functionunit itself is still an independent equipment which is not coupled tothe computer system via the network.

On the other hand, in the conventional computer system, a manager on theserver side collects, processes and transmits the information, and theso-called pull-type structure is used whereby the end user goes to theserver to retrieve the information. On the contrary, the so-calledpush-type structure has also been proposed whereby the server sidedistributes the information and the end user receives this informationfrom the server.

Therefore, conventionally, there were problems in that equipments suchas the copying machine cannot operate by linking to a computer systemand that the space utilization efficiency is poor, because eachequipment is an independent equipment by itself. In addition, even inthe case of the multi-function unit having both the facsimile functionand the copying function, for example, similar problems existed sincethe multi-function unit is also an independent equipment by itself.

On the other hand, the conventional computer system employing thepush-type or pull-type structure is designed by focusing mainly on theserver, and there was no concept of a push-type or pull-type structurewhich is designed by focusing mainly on the end user. As a result, therealso were problems in that the usage and flexibility of the conventionalcomputer system are not always satisfactory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to providea novel and useful multi-function unit, server and network system havingthe multi-function unit, in which the problems described above areeliminated.

Another and more specific object of the present invention is to providea multi-function unit which can operate as a part of a computer system,a server which can realize the concept of a push-type or pull-typestructure which is designed by focusing mainly on the end user bylinking with the multi-function unit, and a network system whichincludes the multi-function unit and can realize the concept of apush-type or pull-type structure which is designed by focusing mainly onthe end user.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide amulti-function unit comprising a printer engine, a logical copyingmachine carrying out a copying process with respect to a recordingmedium by the printer engine, and a plurality of logical printerscarrying out printing processes with respect to the recording medium bythe printer engine, where the logical copying machine and the logicalprinters carry out apparent parallel operations. According to themulti-function unit of the present invention, it is possible tosimultaneously carry out the copying process and the print process in anapparent parallel manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a serverconnectable via a network to an equipment which has at least a printfunction, comprising a print processor having a spool part in whichprint data are queued, and transferring the print data queued in thespool part to the equipment according to a print protocol, and a routinginformation processor having a routing list which stores at least anaddress of the equipment or another server coupled to the network, wherea transmitting destination of the print data is specified by accessingthe routing list. According to the server of the present invention, evenif the operator does not know the address of the equipment at theprinting destination, it is possible to acquire the address of theequipment at the printing destination from the routing list, withouthaving to make an inquiry to a provider or the like of the network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a serverconnectable via a network to an equipment which has at least a scannerfunction, comprising a filing processor having a folder which storesimage data read from a document by the equipment, and carrying out adocument registration process by controlling input and output of theimage data with respect to the folder, and a routing informationprocessor having a routing list which stores at least an address of theequipment or another server coupled to the network, where a transmittingdestination of the print data is specified by accessing the routinglist. According to the server of the present invention, even if theoperator does not know the address of the equipment at the documentregistering destination, it is possible to acquire the address of theequipment at the document registering destination from the routing list,without having to make an inquiry to a provider or the like of thenetwork.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a serverconnectable via a network to an equipment which has at least a scannerfunction, comprising a facsimile processor having a reception registerand a transmission register which store image data, and controllingfacsimile transmission and reception of the image data, and a routinginformation processor having a routing list which stores at least anaddress of the equipment or another server coupled to the network, wherethe facsimile processor automatically retrieves and selects a routehaving a minimum transmission cost by accessing the routing list.According to the server of the present invention, even if the operatordoes not know the structure of the network system, it is possible toautomatically retrieve a route having a minimum transmission cost fromthe routing list and to make a facsimile transmission using this route.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a serverconnectable via a network to an equipment which has at least a scannerfunction and an operation panel, comprising a facsimile processor havinga reception register and a transmission register which store image data,and controlling facsimile transmission and reception of the image data,and a telephone directory processor having a telephone number list whichstores telephone numbers, and controlling input and output of atelephone number used for a facsimile process, where the telephonedirectory processor generates a telephone directory to be displayed onthe operation panel based on the telephone number list. According to theserver of the present invention, it is possible to acquire the facsimiletransmission destination from the telephone directory, without havingthe operator be aware of the network structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network systemcomprising at least one computer, at least one multi-function unitcomprising a printer engine, a logical copying machine carrying out acopying process with respect to a recording medium by the printerengine, and a plurality of logical printers carrying out printingprocesses with respect to the recording medium by the printer engine,where the logical copying machine and the logical printers carry outapparent parallel operations, and one or a plurality of networks couplethe computer and the multi-function unit. According to the networksystem of the present invention, it is possible to request variousprocesses to an arbitrary multi-function unit within the network systemand to make various notifications to an arbitrary server within thenetwork system, thereby making it possible to realize the concept of thepush-type structure and the pull-type structure which are centered onthe end user.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the general construction of acomposite apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the construction of anembodiment of a multi-function unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a system block diagram showing the construction of a firstmodification of the embodiment of the multi-function unit;

FIG. 4 is a system block diagram showing the construction of a secondmodification of the embodiment of the multi-function unit;

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram showing the construction of a thirdmodification of the embodiment of the multi-function unit;

FIG. 6 is a system block diagram showing the construction of anembodiment of a server according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case where the multi-function unitand the server are coupled via a private LAN;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a case where the multi-function unitand the server are coupled via a LAN having a computer coupled thereto;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a network system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of themulti-function unit;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the embodiment of the multi-functionunit;

FIG. 12 is a system block diagram showing important parts of themulti-function unit and the server for explaining a print process;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart generally showing the print process;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the print process from the computer;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the print processfrom the computer;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining a process of the computer whenthe printing is made from the computer;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining a process of a server when theprinting is made from the computer;

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a document registration process fromthe computer;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the documentregistration process from the computer;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a print process from the server viaa remote server;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of a print processfrom the server via the remote server;

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a document registration process fromthe server via a remote server;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the documentregistration process from the server via the remote server;

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a facsimile communication processfrom the server;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the facsimilecommunication process from the server;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an automatic generation of a routinglist;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the routing list which isautomatically generated;

FIG. 28 is a diagram for generally explaining a telephone directorydisplay procedure;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the display of the telephonedirectory;

FIG. 30 is a diagram for generally explaining an operation panelcustomizing procedure;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart for explaining customizing of the operationpanel;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart for explaining a data acquisition process on anoperation panel;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart for explaining a data selection process from theoperation panel;

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a title extraction process whenreading a document;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the titleextraction process when reading the document;

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the title extraction process whenmaking a facsimile reception;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the titleextraction process when making the facsimile reception;

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a distribution process to a folderpart when registering a document;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the distributionprocess to the folder part when registering the document;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart for explaining the distribution process to thefolder part when registering the document;

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a distribution information list;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a folder information list;

FIG. 43 is a flow chart for explaining a processing content specifyingprocess after the distribution when registering the document;

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a distribution information list;

FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining an accounting process by inputtingan identification;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the accountingprocess by inputting the identification;

FIG. 47 is a flow chart for explaining the accounting process byinputting the identification;

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an identification list;

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an accounting log; and

FIG. 50 is a flow chart for explaining load reducing process for anequipment state display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First, a description will be given of a composite apparatus which ismade up of an embodiment of a multi-function unit according to thepresent invention and an embodiment of a server according to the presentinvention. FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the generalconstruction of the composite apparatus. A composite apparatus 1includes a multi-function unit 2 and a server 3 which are coupled via aLAN 500. As will be described later, the multi-function unit 2 includesa printer part, a scanner part, an operation panel, an equipment statemanaging part and the like. The server 3 includes a computer such as apersonal computer, which is coupled to a line 501 such as a telephoneline and to the LAN 500.

Exchange of information between the server 3 and the printer part of themulti-function unit 2 is made according to a print protocol. The printprotocol is used to transfer print data from the server 3 to a logicalprinter within the multi-function unit 2, and a number of sessions equalto the number of logical printers are set up. Exchange of informationbetween the server 3 and the scanner part of the multi-function unit 2is made according to a scanner protocol. The scanner protocol is used totransfer data read from a document by the scanner part to the server 3.

Exchange of information between the server 3 and the operation panel ofthe multi-function unit 2 is made according to a panel control protocol.The panel control protocol is used to notify the server 3 of eventgeneration information at a time when an operation button of theoperation panel is pushed, and to acquire display data if necessary. Forexample, when an operation button of the operation panel for displayinga telephone directory is pushed, the server 3 is notified of a requestfor telephone directory data together with the event generationinformation which is generated by the pushing of this operation button.In response to such a notification from the operation panel, the server3 sends the telephone directory data to the multi-function unit 2. Inaddition, according to the panel control protocol, the server 3 isnotified of facsimile transmission start information, documentregistration start information and the like from the operation panel,and the server 3 carries out a processed based on such startinformation.

Exchange of information between the server 3 and the equipment statemanaging part of the multi-function unit 2 is made according to anoperation management protocol. The operation management protocol is usedto notify the server 3 of information related to the state of themulti-function unit 2. The information notified to the server 3according to the operation management protocol includes (a) operationstate information indicating that the multi-function unit 2 is carryingout a copying operation, a scanner operation, or a print operation, (b)printed sheet information indicating the number of printed sheets (orprints) made for each paper size with respect to a logical copyingmachine and the logical printers of the multi-function unit 2, (c)supply information indicating replenishing/replacing times (orintervals) and the like of supplies such as toner, developing agent andphotoconductive body, (d) various setting information with respect tothe multi-function unit 2, and (e) error information related to variousparts of the multi-function unit 2, and the like.

Hence, the server 3 is coupled to the multi-function unit 2 according to4 protocols, and controls the multi-function unit 2. In addition, theserver 3 links to another server or computer (client) which is coupledto the LAN 500, and realizes functions such as printing, documentregistration, facsimile communication and operation management via anetwork such as the LAN 500.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the construction of theembodiment of the multi-function unit 2. The multi-function unit 2includes a printer engine 21, a scanner engine 22, an operation panel23, a logical copying machine 24, logical printers 251 through 253, alogical scanner 26, and an equipment state managing part 27 which areconnected as shown in FIG. 2. The printer engine 21 and the logicalprinters 251 through 253 form the printer part described above. Thescanner engine 22 and the logical scanner 26 form the scanner partdescribed above. The functions of the logical copying machine 24, thelogical printers 251 through 253, the logical scanner 26 and theequipment state managing part 27 may be realized by a combination of oneor a plurality of processors such as a central processing unit (CPU),and a memory which stores data and programs to be executed by theprocessor.

In this embodiment, the printer engine 21 is made of a known laserprinter which uses cut recording paper, and is provided with a pluralityof paper supply hoppers and a multi-bin stacker 211. However, theprinter engine 21 is of course not limited to a laser printer which usesa photoconductive body, and further, a recording medium used by theprinter engine 21 is not limited to the cut recording paper. For thesake of convenience, FIG. 2 shows a case where a number of bin stackersof the multi-bin stacker 211 is 4, but the number of bin stackers is ofcourse not limited to 4.

The scanner engine 22 has a known construction including an automaticdocument feeder (ADF) and a document reader which employs a flat bed. Inthis embodiment, the document reader is capable of simultaneouslyreading both sides of the document.

The logical scanner 26 issues an operation instruction with respect tothe scanner engine 22 based on a control code of the scanner protocol.Image data read from the document by the scanner engine 22 aretransferred to the server 3 by the logical scanner 26.

In this embodiment, the operation panel 23 includes a known liquidcrystal touch panel which forms a display part and a part of anoperation part, and various operation buttons. However, the operationpanel 23 is of course not limited to the liquid crystal touch panel. Inaddition, the operation panel 23 may be formed by a touch panel whichforms the display part and the entire operation part.

The logical copying machine 24 prints the data read from the document bythe scanner engine 22 onto the recording paper by the printer engine 21.In this case, various setting information such as the number of sheetsto be printed and the magnification (enlarge/reduce rate) is input fromthe operation panel 23. The logical copying machine 24 operates based onthe various setting information which is input, and issues aninstruction to operate with respect to the scanner engine 22 and theprinter engine 21. A bin stacker to which the printed recording paper isto be ejected may be set in advance.

Various image processes such as the magnification are carried out usingat least one of the scanner engine 22 and the logical copying machine24. In this embodiment, the various image processes are carried out bythe scanner engine 22.

The logical printers 251 through 253 respectively print the print datareceived from the server 3 according to the print protocol onto therecording paper by the printer engine 21. The printer engine 21 suppliesthe recording paper from the paper supply hopper which is specified by acommand or a setting, and ejects the printed recording paper to thestacker bin which is specified by a command or a setting. The papersupply hopper and the stacker bin to be used can be specified for eachof the logical printers 251 through 253.

The logical printers 251 through 253 can operate with differentemulations. For example, the logical printer 251 may operate with afirst emulation such as a FM emulation and the logical printer 252 mayoperate with a second emulation such as an ESC/P emulation, so as torealize multi-emulation. Since only 1 physical printer engine 21 isprovided with respect to the 3 logical printers 251 through 253, thelogical printers 251 through 253 successively make a print startoperation with respect to the printer engine 21 in the order with whicheach page is printed. As a result, although only 1 physical printerengine 21 is provided, it appears as if the 3 logical printers 251through 253 can operate in parallel simultaneously.

It is possible to simultaneously set up a number of print protocolsequal to the number of logical printers. In addition, only 3 logicalprinters are provided in FIG. 2 for the sake of convenience, but thenumber of logical printers is not limited to 3, and an arbitrary pluralnumber of logical printers may be provided.

The logical printer itself is known, and is proposed in JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Applications No.8-36472 and No.8-87391, for example.For this reason, a detailed description on this logical printer will beomitted in this specification.

The equipment state managing part 27 is coupled to the logical copyingmachine 24, the logical scanner 26 and the logical printers 251 through253, and obtains information related to the state of the multi-functionunit 2 by gathering information from these logical elements. Theinformation related to the state of the multi-function unit 2 isnotified from the equipment state managing part 27 to the server 3according to the operation management protocol. In addition, theequipment state managing part 27 displays on the operation panel 23 aserver message which is notified from the server 3 according to theoperation management protocol.

The basic construction of the multi-function unit 2 is not limited tothat shown in FIG. 2, and the printer part and the scanner part may beprovided as independent units with respect to the multi-function unit 2.

FIG. 3 is a system block diagram showing the construction of a firstmodification of the embodiment of the multi-function unit 2. In FIG. 3,those parts which are the same as those corresponding parts in FIG. 2are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereofwill be omitted. In this case, a part of the multi-function unit 2 ismade up of a scanner part 201 which is formed as an independent unitwith respect to the remaining part of the multi-function unit 2.

FIG. 4 is a system block diagram showing the construction of a secondmodification of the multi-function unit 2. In FIG. 4, those parts whichare the same as those corresponding parts in FIG. 2 are designated bythe same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.In this case, a part of the multi-function unit 2 is made up of aprinter part 202 which is formed as an independent unit with respect tothe remaining part of the multi-function unit 2.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram showing the construction of a thirdmodification of the multi-function unit 2. In FIG. 5, those parts whichare the same as those corresponding parts in FIGS. 3 and 4 aredesignated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereofwill be omitted. In this case, the multi-function unit 2 is made up of ascanner part 201 shown in FIG. 3 and a printer part 202 shown in FIG. 4which are formed as mutually independent units. In this thirdmodification, the logical copying machine 24 shown in FIG. 2 is notprovided within the multi-function unit 2.

Of course, the multi-function unit 2 may have a construction which is anarbitrary combination of the structures shown in FIGS. 2 through 5.

FIG. 6 is a system block diagram showing the construction of theembodiment of the server. The server 3 includes a network processor 30,a print processor 31, a filing processor 32, a facsimile processor 33, amodem 34, a panel controller 35, a result notification processor 36, anoperation managing processor 37, a telephone directory processor 38, anda routing information processor 39 which are coupled as shown in FIG. 6.For the sake of convenience, FIG. 6 also shows a computer (client) 4which is coupled to the LAN 500 to which the multi-function unit 2 iscoupled.

The functions the network processor 30, the print processor 31, thefiling processor 32, the facsimile processor 33, an optical characterreader (OCR) processor 322, the panel controller 35, the resultnotification processor 36, the operation managing processor 37, thetelephone directory processor 38 and the routing information processor39 may be realized by a combination of one or a plurality of processorssuch as a CPU, and a memory which stores data and programs to beexecuted by the processor.

The network processor 30 is coupled to the print processor 31, thefiling processor 32, the facsimile processor 33, the panel controller35, the result notification processor 36, the operation managingprocessor 37 and the routing information processor 39, and controls theexchange of information between the LAN 500 and these processors 31, 32,33, 35, 36, 37 and 39. In addition, the network processor 30 controlsthe TCP/IP and the http protocol in the layer higher than the TCP/IP.The communication between the server 3 and the computer 4 is madeaccording to the http protocol. Although this embodiment uses the httpprotocol, other protocols may be used as long as the protocol has abidirectional communication function.

The print processor 31 includes a spool part 311 in which the print dataare queued. The print data queued in the spool part 311 are successivelytransferred for example to the logical printer 251 within themulti-function unit 2 according to the print protocol. The number ofqueues within the spool part 311 corresponds to the number of logicalprinters provided within the multi-function unit 2. In this embodiment,3 queues Q1 through Q3 are provided within the spool part 311 becausethe 3 logical printers 251 through 253 are provided within themulti-function unit 2. For example, the queue Q1 is used for printingfacsimile reception data, the queue Q2 is used for printing data of adocument folder 321 within the filing processor 32, and the queue Q3 isused for printing data transferred via the LAN 500. The correspondencebetween each queue and the print data may be set arbitrarily. Further,the combination of each queue and the logical printer may also be setarbitrarily.

The filing processor 32 includes the folder 321 which forms a simpledatabase structure for storing image data, and controls input and outputof the image data with respect to the folder 321. The input routes forinputting the image data to the folder 321 include a route which inputsthe image data from the scanner engine 22 of the multi-function unit 2to the folder 321 via the logical scanner 26 according to the scannerprotocol, a route which inputs the image data from a transmittingfacsimile machine to the folder 321 via the line 501 or the LAN 500 anda reception register 331 of the facsimile processor 33 which will bedescribed later, and a route which inputs the image data from the LAN500 to the folder 321 via the network processor 30. On the other hand,the output route for outputting the image data from the folder 321include a route which outputs the image data from the folder 321 to theprinter engine 21 via the print processor 31 and the logical printer ofthe multi-function unit 2, a route which outputs the image data from thefolder 321 to the line 501 or the LAN 500 as a facsimile transmissionoutput via the facsimile processor 33, and a route which outputs theimage data from the folder 321 to another multi-function unit or anothercomputer 4 which is coupled to the LAN 500 via the network processor 30and the LAN 500.

The facsimile processor 33 includes the reception register 331 and atransmission register 332 which form a simple database structure forstoring the image data, and controls facsimile transmission andreception. The reception register 331 stores facsimile reception datareceived from the line 501 or the LAN 500 and a reception history of thefacsimile reception data. The transmission register 332 stores facsimiletransmission data to be transmitted to the line 501 or the LAN 500, andtransmission history related to the facsimile transmission data.

In this embodiment, 1 reception register 331 and 1 transmission register332 are provided. However, it is of course possible to provide aplurality of reception registers 331 and a plurality of transmissionregisters 332 in the facsimile processor 33. For example, it is possibleto provide 1 reception register 331 and 1 transmission register 332 foreach person or for each department.

The OCR processor 322 subjects the image data to an OCR process, so asto automatically extract a document title, for example, when registeringthe image data to the folder 321 of the filing processor 32 and whenstoring the facsimile reception data and its reception history in thereception register 331 of the facsimile processor 33. The OCR processor322 is called in common from the filing processor 32 and the facsimileprocessor 33. The OCR process carried out by the OCR processor 322includes a process of automatically extracting a title such as thedocument title, a process of automatically sorting the image data byrecognizing a destination upon a facsimile reception in a case where 1reception register 311 is provided for each destination, and the like.

A modem 34 carries out a demodulation process with respect to thefacsimile reception data received from the line 501, and a modulationprocess with respect to the facsimile transmission data transmitted tothe line 501, to control the exchange of the facsimile reception dataand the facsimile transmission data between the line 501 and thefacsimile processor 33.

The panel controller 35 receives various events generated from theoperation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 according to the panelcontrol protocol, and controls the print processor 31, the filingprocessor 32, the facsimile processor 33, the operation managingprocessor 37 and the telephone directory processor 38 so as to carry outa process corresponding to the generated event. In addition, the panelcontroller 35 controls the logical scanner 26 of the multi-function unit2 according to the scanner protocol, depending on the event which isnotified from the operation panel 23 according to the panel controlprotocol. Hence, the scanner engine 22 reads the document under thecontrol of the logical scanner 26, and the read image data aretransmitted to the print processor 31, the filing processor 32 and thefacsimile processor 33.

The panel controller 35 controls the print processor 31, the filingprocessor 32, the facsimile processor 33, the operation managingprocessor 37 and the telephone directory processor 38 in the followingmanner.

When the panel controller 35 receives a document registration event fromthe operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 according to thepanel control protocol, the panel controller 35 controls the logicalscanner 26 and the scanner engine 22 of the multi-function unit 2according to the scanner protocol, so as to read the image data from thedocument. The panel controller 35 supplies the read image data to thefiling processor 32, and instructs registration of the read image datainto the folder 321.

In addition, when the panel controller 35 receives a facsimiletransmission event from the operation panel 23 of the multi-functionunit 2 according to the panel control protocol, the panel controller 35controls the logical scanner 26 and the scanner engine 22 of themulti-function unit 2 according to the scanner protocol, so as to readthe image data from the document. The panel controller 35 supplies theread image data to the facsimile processor 33, and instructs a facsimiletransmission process including storage of the facsimile transmissiondata and its transmission history into the transmission register 332.

In a case where the multi-function unit 2 is made up of the scanner part201 and the printer part 202 which are formed as mutually independentunits as shown in FIG. 5, no logical copying machine exists within themulti-function unit 2, and the copying function is realized as follows.That is, when the panel controller 35 receives a copy start event fromthe operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 (scanner part 201)according to the panel control protocol, the panel controller 35controls the logical scanner 26 and the scanner engine 22 of themulti-function unit 2 (scanner part 201) according to the scannerprotocol, so as to read the image data from the document. The panelcontroller 35 supplies the read image data to the print processor 31,and instructs the number of printed sheets to be made by printing theimage data on the recording paper. As a result, the print processor 31controls for example the logical printer 251 and the printer engine 21of the multi-function unit 2 (printer part 202) according to the printprotocol, and instructs printing of the specified number of printedsheets to be made so as to finally realize the copying function.

Furthermore, when the panel controller 35 receives a telephone directorylist request event from the operation panel 23 of the multi-functionunit 2 according to the panel control protocol, the panel controller 35acquires the telephone directory list data from the telephone directoryprocessor 38 and supplies the telephone directory list data to themulti-function unit 2 according to the panel control protocol.

In addition, when the panel controller 35 receives a power OFF eventfrom the operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 according tothe panel control protocol, the panel controller 35 instructs turningOFF of a power supply to the operation managing processor 37.

The result notification processor 36 is coupled to the facsimileprocessor 33, the filing processor 32 and the print processor 31, and isnotified of a process result from the facsimile processor 22 when afacsimile transmission or reception ends, a process result from thefiling processor 32 when a document registration ends, and a processresult from the print processor 31 when a printing ends. The resultnotification processor 36 notifies the process result notified from eachof these processors 33, 32 and 31 to a destination which is registeredin advance in the result notification processor 36 or a destinationwhich is specified, via the network processor 30 and the LAN 500. Inthis embodiment, the process result is notified to the destination by anelectronic mail system. In this case, the network processor 30 makes acommunication via the LAN 500 according to an electronic mail protocol.

The operation managing processor 37 is coupled to the facsimileprocessor 33, the filing processor 32 and the print processor 31, andgathers state messages from these processors 33, 32 and 31. Ifnecessary, the operation managing processor 37 instructs a display ofthe state messages which are gathered to the operation panel 23 of themulti-function unit 2 according to the operation management protocol. Inaddition, the operation managing processor 37 periodically gathersinformation and state of the multi-function unit 2 according to theoperation management protocol. In other words, the operation managingprocessor 37 centrally gathers and manages, as operation managementinformation, the states of and information related to various processors(at least the facsimile processor 33, the filing processor 32 and theprint processor 31) of the server 3 and various processors (at least thelogical copying machine 24, the logical printers 251 through 253 and thelogical scanner 26) of the multi-function unit 2. The operationmanagement information gathered and managed by the operation managingprocessor 37 is accessible from the side of the LAN 500 via the networkprocessor 30. For example, the operation management information gatheredand managed by the operation managing processor 37 is accessible from aweb browser 46 of the computer 4 which will be described later.

The operation managing processor 37 also controls the turning OFF of thepower supply of the server 3. When a power OFF instruction is receivedfrom the panel controller 35, the operation managing processor 37carries out a power OFF control to turn OFF the power supply withrespect to various parts within the server 3. By this power OFF control,the various parts within the server 3 carry out processes such as endinga session of each protocol and saving necessary information in a storageunit. The storage unit is made of a hard disk unit which forms the spool311, the reception register 331, the transmission register 332, thefolder 321, a telephone number list 381, a routing list 391 and thelike. For the sake of convenience, the storage unit is illustrated inFIG. 6 as being included in the various processors, but it is of coursepossible to provide an independent storage unit, and further, it is alsopossible to provide one or a plurality of such storage units.

The power OFF instruction is made from the operation panel 23 of themulti-function unit 2. The power OFF event is notified from theoperation panel 23 to the panel controller 35 of the server 3 accordingto the panel control protocol. The panel controller 35 notifies thepower OFF instruction to the operation managing processor 37 in responseto the power OFF event. The operation managing processor 37simultaneously starts power OFF processes in parallel with respect tothe various parts within the server 3, and carries out a synchronizedcontrol of the power OFF processes with respect to the various parts ofthe server 3 and the multi-function unit 2, including the various partsof the multi-function unit 2. The operation managing processor 37instructs power OFF to a power supply 550 at a time when all of theprocesses in progress in the various parts of the server 3 and themulti-function unit 2 are completed.

The telephone directory processor 38 controls input and output of thetelephone numbers used for the facsimile process, and includes thetelephone number list 381 which stores the telephone numbers. Thetelephone number list 381 is usable by the multi-function unit 2 and thecomputer 4. When making a facsimile transmission from the multi-functionunit 2, the telephone directory processor 38 displays the telephonenumbers stored in the telephone number list 381 on the operation panel23, so that a desired telephone number can be selected from thedisplayed telephone numbers. On the other hand, when making a facsimiletransmission from the computer 4, the telephone directory processor 38displays the telephone numbers stored in the telephone number list 381by use of the web browser 46, so that a desired telephone number can beselected from the displayed telephone numbers. The telephone number list381 is accessed from the computer 4 via the LAN 500, the networkprocessor 30 and the facsimile processor 33. The telephone directoryprocessor 38 has a sorting function, and is capable of sorting thetelephone numbers in an alphabetical order of names of destinations, inan order dependent upon a frequency of use of the telephone numbers, andthe like.

The routing information processor 39 includes the routing list 391 whichstores addresses of all multi-function units, servers or compositeapparatuses coupled to the LAN 500. When exchanging data via the LAN500, the data transfer is made by specifying an address within therouting list 391. The contents of the routing list 391 can be updatedmanually from the operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2,updated by copying list data in one operation from a multi-function unitother than the multi-function unit 2, or updated by automatically andperiodically gathering routing information.

The computer 4 shown in FIG. 6 generally includes an application 41, aprint driver 42, a facsimile driver 43, a filing driver 44, a networkprocessor 45 and the web browser 46. The functions of these elements ofthe computer 4 may be realized by a combination of one or a plurality ofprocessors such as a CPU, and a memory which stores data and programs tobe executed by the processor. The application 41 may be a generalapplication software such as an software for a word processor presentlyavailable on the market. When a print operation is made, the print,facsimile and filing drivers 42 through 44 are called by thisapplication 41.

The print driver 42 is operated when making the print operation by theapplication 41. This print driver 42 inputs and specifies an address ofa multi-function unit (destination printer) which is to carry out theprinting, a mail address to be notified of a print result, a comment onthe mail and the like. The address of the destination printer isselected from a display by acquiring and displaying the routing list 391of the server 3.

The facsimile driver 43 is operated when making a facsimile transmissionby the application 41. This facsimile driver 43 inputs and specifies atelephone number of a destination of the facsimile transmission, a mailaddress to be notified of a facsimile transmission result, a comment onthe mail and the like. The telephone number of the destination of thefacsimile transmission is selected from a display by acquiring anddisplaying the telephone number list 381 of the server 3.

The filing driver 44 is operated when making a document registration bythe application 41. The filing driver 44 inputs and specifies an addressof a destination of the document registration, a mail address to benotified of a document registration result, a comment on the mail andthe like. The address of the destination of the document registration isselected from a display by acquiring and displaying the routing list 391of the server 3.

The network processor 45 controls a network communication between theserver 3 and the printer, facsimile and filing drivers 42 through 44.The web browser 45 is made of an information inspecting browser of aworld wide web (WWW) server, and communicates via the LAN 500 accordingto the http protocol.

The multi-function unit 2 and the server 3 may be coupled via a privateLAN 500A as shown in FIG. 7 or, coupled via the LAN 500 to which thecomputer 4 is coupled as shown in FIG. 8. In the case where theconnection shown in FIG. 7 is employed, the private LAN 500A is usedwhen supplying the image data from the multi-function unit 2 to theserver 3 at the time of the document registration or the like, and thus,the LAN 500 is unaffected thereby. On the other hand, in the case wherethe connection shown in FIG. 8 is employed, it is sufficient to provide1 LAN interface in the server 3. Accordingly, the connections shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 may be selected depending on the needs of the user, sothat the system structure may be formed with a high flexibility.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a network system accordingto the present invention. In FIG. 9, those parts which are the same asthose corresponding parts in FIGS. 1 and 6 are designated by the samereference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. As shownin FIG. 9, a plurality of LANs are coupled via a network 510, and atleast 2 multi-function units 2 are provided in the network system. Inthis embodiment, 4 LANs 500-1 through 500-4 are coupled via the network510, and 4 multi-function units 2 are provided within the networksystem.

The multi-function unit 2 and the server 3 may be independent units or,designed to be provided within a single unit.

FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively are diagrams showing the embodiment of themulti-function unit 2 for the case where the multi-function unit 2 is aunit independent of the server 3. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view ofthe multi-function unit 2, and FIG. 11 shows a plan view of themulti-function unit 2. In FIGS. 10 and 11, those parts which are thesame as those corresponding parts in FIG. 2 are designated by the samereference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 11shows a case where the operation panel 23 includes a known liquidcrystal touch panel 23-1 which forms the display part and a part of theoperation part, and various operation buttons 23-2.

Next, a more detailed description will be given of a (1) print process,(2) routing process, (3) operation panel control process, (4) OCRcontrol process, and (5) operation managing process in this embodiment.

(1) Print Process:

FIG. 12 is a system block diagram showing important parts of themulti-function unit 2 and the server 3 for explaining the print process.In FIG. 12, those parts which are the same as those corresponding partsin FIGS. 2 and 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and adescription thereof will be omitted. In addition, FIG. 13 is a flowchart generally showing the print process.

In FIG. 12, the print processor 31 within the server 3 includes thespool 311 which stores n queues Q1 through Qn. The queues Q1 through Qnstored in the spool 311 respectively correspond to print sources. Forexample, the queue Q1 corresponds to a facsimile reception printing, thequeue Q2 corresponds to a filing document printing, the queue Q3corresponds to an application printing, . . . , and queue Qn correspondsto other printing. The multi-function unit 2 includes the logicalcopying machine 24, n logical printers 251 through 25 n, the printerengine 21, and the multi-bin stacker 211 including n bin stackers bs1through bsn. The logical printers 251 through 25 n respectivelycorrespond to the queues Q1 through Qn stored in the spool 311. The binstackers bs1 through bsn are allocated so that a pair of a correspondingqueue and logical printer corresponds to one or a plurality of binstackers. In other words, the bin stackers bs1 through bsn are allocatedto each pair of the queue and logical printer in this embodiment so thatmutually different queues and mutually different logical printers cannotshare a common bin stacker.

As shown in FIG. 13, a step S1 acquires the image data to be printedfrom the print source, and a step S2 selects a queue corresponding tothe print source from the queues Q1 through Qn stored in the spool 311.A step S3 inputs the acquired image data to the selected queue, and astep S4 obtains the image data from the selected queue and outputs theimage data to a corresponding logical printer. A step S5 prints theimage data on the recording paper by the logical printer, and a step S6ejects the recording paper printed with the image data to one or aplurality of bin stackers allocated for the logical printer.

In FIG. 12, the bin stacker bs3 is allocated for the pair of thecorresponding queue Q1 and logical printer 251, the bin stacker bs4 isallocated for the pair of the corresponding queue Q2 and logical printer252, and the bin stackers bsn-2 through bsn are allocated for the pairof corresponding queue Qn and logical printer 25 n. In addition, whenthe logical copying machine 24 is used as the print source, the binstacker bs1 is allocated for the recording paper copied in a normal copymode, and the bin stacker bs2 is allocated for the recording papercopied in an interrupt mode.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to freely andvariably set the corresponding relationship of the print source and thequeues Q1 through Qn within the spool 311, that is, the logical printers251 through 25 n. In addition, it is also possible to freely andvariably set the corresponding relationship of the bin stackers bs1through bsn of the multi-bin stacker 211 and the logical copying machine24 and the logical printers 251 through 25 n. Moreover, since thelogical copying machine 24 and the logical printers 251 through 25 ncannot share the same bin stacker, it is possible to carry out apparentparallel operations on the logical copying machine 24 and the logicalprinters 251 through 25 n, so as to improve the processing speed of themulti-function unit 2.

With respect to the logical copying machine 24 and the logical printers251 through 25 n, it is possible to freely set a priority to the orderof the printing in the printer engine 21. For example, the priority ofthe printing order may be set in the order of the print requestsreceived or, the priority of the printing order of the logical copyingmachine 24 may be set higher than those of the logical printers 251through 25 n so as to give priority to the copying function which has ahigher possibility of urgency. In addition, it is possible to freely setthe priority to the printing order among the queues Q1 through Qn oramong the logical printers 251 through 25 n. In this case, the priorityof the printing order of the logical printer 252 can be set higher thanthat of the logical printer 251, for example, so as to give the filingdocument printing a priority over the facsimile reception printing.

(2) Routing Process:

(2a) Printing From Computer (Client) 4:

When instructing the printing from the computer 4 to a predeterminedmulti-function unit 2, the address of the predetermined multi-functionunit 2, server 3 or composite apparatus 1 is selected from the routinglist 391 by accessing the routing list 391 within the routinginformation processor 39 of the server 3. This address specifies themulti-function unit 2, the server 3 or the composite apparatus 1 (1 pairof the multi-function unit 2 and the server 3) in the network. Forexample, in the case of the network system having the structure shown inFIG. 9, at least 1 server 3 within the network system includes therouting list 391 which contains the address of the predeterminedmulti-function unit 2, server 3 or composite apparatus 1. Accordingly,even if the operator of the computer 4 does not know the address or thelike of the predetermined multi-function unit 2, server 3 or compositeapparatus 1, the operator can acquire this address from the routing list391 (of the server 3) which contains the address of the predeterminedmulti-function unit 2, server 3 or composite apparatus 1, without havingto make an inquiry to a provider or the like of the network system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the print process from the computer4. In FIG. 14, those parts which are the same as those correspondingparts in FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and adescription thereof will be omitted. In addition, FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of the print process from the computer4. In FIG. 14, S11 through S18 respectively correspond to steps S11through S18 shown in FIG. 15.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, the step S11 selects the print driver 42 from theapplication 41 of the computer 4. The step S12 makes an access from theprint driver 42 to the server 3 which includes the routing list 391, andacquires the routing list 391 from the routing information processor 39of this server 3. At least 1 server 3 which includes the routing list391 is set in advance. If a plurality of servers 3 each including therouting list 391 are set in advance, it is possible to acquire therouting list 391 even in a case where 1 server 3 is down or is notaccessible. When setting a plurality of servers 3 each including therouting list 391, the plurality of servers 3 are successively accessedin a predetermined order or a random order, so that the routing list 391is acquired from the first accessible server 3.

The step S13 displays the acquired routing list 391 on a screen 421 ofthe print driver 42 shown in FIG. 14 in the form of a print destinationlist which is used to select the print destination. The step S14 urgesthe operator to select the print destination on the screen 421, andurges the operator to input a notifying destination which is to benotified of the print result, so that a print destination address and anotifying destination address are input. It is not essential to displaythe print destination address and the notifying destination address onthe screen 421 of the print driver 42, and it is of course possible toinput the corresponding addresses from the routing list 391 by selectingor inputting the names or the like of the print destination and thenotifying source. In addition, it is possible to display the names andthe like of the print destination and the notifying destination on thescreen 421 with a corresponding relationship to the addresses or, todisplay only the print destination address and the notifying destinationaddress on the screen 421.

For the sake of convenience, the steps S15 through S18 which will now bedescribed are shown in FIG. 14 for the server 3 related to the steps S11through S14 described above. But actually, the steps S15 through S18 arerelated to a server 3 (not shown) which forms a composite apparatus 1together with a multi-function unit 2 at the print destination.

The step S15 transfers the print data (image data) to the selected printdestination by the print driver 42 in response to a print start. Moreparticularly, the print data is transferred to the server 3 which formsthe composite apparatus 1 together with the multi-function unit 2 at theprint destination. This server need not be the same as the server 3which provided the routing list 391 described above. The step S16transfers the print data from the print processor 31 of the server 3which is supplied with the print data to the corresponding logicalprinter (for example, the logical printer 253) of the multi-functionunit 2 at the print destination, and the printing is carried out by theprinter engine 21. The step S17 notifies a print completion to theresult notification processor 36 when the print processor 31 of theserver 3 detects completion of the printing by the multi-function unit 2or, notifies an abnormality to the result notification processor 36 ifan abnormality such as a paper jam occurs in the multi-function unit 2.The step S18 notifies the print result to the notifying destinationspecified by the print driver 41 when the result notification processor36 is notified of the print completion. In this case, the notifyingdestination of the print result is the computer 4 which requested theprinting, and the print result is notified to the application 41. Forexample, the print result indicates the print completion when the resultnotification processor 36 is notified of the print completion within apredetermined time, and the print result indicates a print incompletewhen the result notification processor 36 is not notified of the printcompletion within the predetermined time.

In FIG. 14, the print data is transferred to the server 3 which iscoupled to the computer 4 via the LAN 500, but the server 3 to which theprint data is transferred does not have to be coupled to the LAN 500. Inthe case of the network system shown in FIG. 9, the print data may betransferred for example from the computer 4 which is coupled to the LAN500-1 to the server 3 of the composite apparatus 1 which is coupled tothe remote LAN 500-4 via the network 510. In addition, the notifyingdestination of the print result does not have to be the computer 4 whichmakes the print request, and may be any computer 4 or any compositeapparatus 1 within the network system shown in FIG. 9, for example.Furthermore, the notifying destination of the print result may be set inadvance to an address peculiar to each print driver 42 or each printprocessor 31, and in this case, it is possible to give a priority to anotifying destination which is input from the screen 421 of the printdriver 42 if such an input is made.

The print result notification may be made by utilizing the mail functionsuch as the electronic mail (e-mail).

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining a process on the side of thecomputer 4 described above when printing from the computer 4. FIG. 17 isa flow chart for explaining a process on the side of the server 3 inthis case.

In FIG. 16, when the computer 4 makes a print request, a step SC1 callsthe print driver 42 from the application 41. A step SC2 makes a routinglist transmission request from the print driver 42. A step SC3 transmitsthe routing list transmission request to the server 3 which is set inadvance. A step SC4 decides whether or not a response is received fromthe server 3 within a predetermined time. If the decision result in thestep SC4 is NO, a step SC5 displays the routing list on the screen 421of the printer driver 42 in blank. In addition, a step S6 adds to theprint data a server name of the server 3 which is set in advance, andthe process ends.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step SC4 is YES, a stepSC7 decides whether or not the routing list 391 is received. If thedecision result in the step SC7 is NO, a step SC8 displays both theserver name and a multi-function unit name on the screen 421 in blank.In addition, a step SC9 decides whether or not the server name is inputby the operator, and the process ends if the decision result in the stepSC9 is NO. If the decision result in the step SC9 is YES, the processreturns to the step SC3.

If the decision result in the step SC7 is YES, a step SC10 displays thereceived routing list 391 on the screen 421. A step SC11 adds to theprint data the multi-function unit name selected from the routing list391 by the operator and the corresponding server name. A step SC12transmits the print data to the server 3 having the selected servername, together with the multi-function unit name and the server nameadded to the print data, and the process ends.

In FIG. 17, when the server 3 becomes accessible, a step SS1 receivesthe routing list transmission request from the computer 4. A step SS2notifies the routing list transmission request to the routinginformation processor 39 via the network processor 30. A step SS3decides whether or not a multi-function unit 2 registered in the routinglist 391 within the routing information processor 39 exists, and a stepSS4 notifies the network processor 30 that no registered multi-functionunit 2 exists if the decision result in the step SS3 is NO. In addition,a step SS5 notifies the computer 4 that no registered multi-functionunit 2 exists, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step SS3 is YES, a stepSS6 notifies the network processor 30 of the routing list 391 whichincludes the registered multi-function unit 2. In addition, a step SS7notifies the computer 4 of the routing list 391 which includes theregistered multi-function unit 2, and the process ends.

(2b) Document Registration From Computer (Client) 4:

When instructing a document registration from the computer 4 to apredetermined multi-function unit 2, the routing list 391 within therouting information processor 39 of the server 3 is accessed, and theaddress of the predetermined multi-function unit 2, server 3 orcomposite apparatus 1 is selected from the routing list 391. Forexample, in the case of the network system having the structure shown inFIG. 9, at least 1 server 3 within the network system includes therouting list 391 which contains the address of the predeterminedmulti-function unit 2. Accordingly, even if the operator of the computer4 does not know the address or the like of the predeterminedmulti-function unit 2, server 3 or composite apparatus 1, the operatorcan acquire this address from the routing list 391 (of the server 3)which contains the address of the predetermined multi-function unit 2,server 3 or composite apparatus 1, without having to make an inquiry toa provider or the like of the network system.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a document registration process fromthe computer 4. In FIG. 18, those parts which are the same as thosecorresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, FIG.19 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the documentregistration process from the computer 4. In FIG. 18, S21 through S27respectively correspond to steps S21 through S27 shown in FIG. 19.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, the step S21 selects the filing driver 44 from theapplication 41 of the computer 4. The step S22 makes an access from thefiling driver 44 to the server 3 which includes the routing list 391,and acquires the routing list 391 from the routing information processor39 of this server 3. At least 1 server 3 which includes the routing list391 is set in advance. If a plurality of servers 3 each including therouting list 391 are set in advance, it is possible to acquire therouting list 391 even in a case where 1 server 3 is down or is notaccessible. When setting a plurality of servers 3 each including therouting list 391, the plurality of servers 3 are successively accessedin a predetermined order or a random order, so that the routing list 391is acquired from the first accessible server 3.

The step S23 displays the acquired routing list 391 on a screen 441 ofthe filing driver 44 shown in FIG. 18 in the form of a documentregistering destination list which is used to select the documentregistering destination. The step S24 urges the operator to select thedocument registering destination on the screen 441, and urges theoperator to input a notifying destination which is to be notified of thedocument registration result, so that a document registering destinationaddress and a notifying destination address are input. It is notessential to display the document registering destination address andthe notifying destination address on the screen 441 of the filing driver44, and it is of course possible to input the corresponding addressesfrom the routing list 391 by selecting or inputting the names or thelike of the document registering destination and the notifying source.In addition, it is possible to display the names and the like of thedocument registering destination and the notifying destination on thescreen 441 with a corresponding relationship to the addresses or, todisplay only the document registering destination address and thenotifying destination address on the screen 441.

For the sake of convenience, the steps S25 through S27 which will now bedescribed are shown in FIG. 18 for the server 3 related to the steps S21through S24 described above. But actually, the steps S25 through S27 arerelated to a server 3 (not shown) which forms a composite apparatus 1together with a multi-function unit 2 at the document registeringdestination.

The step S25 transfers the document data (image data) to the selecteddocument registering destination by the filing driver 44 in response toa document registration start. More particularly, the document data istransferred to the server 3 which forms the composite apparatus 1together with the multi-function unit 2 at the document registeringdestination. This server need not be the same as the server 3 whichprovided the routing list 391 described above. The server 3 whichreceives the document data registers the document by storing thereceived document data in the folder 321 within the filing processor 32.The step S26 notifies a document registration completion to the resultnotification processor 36 when the filing processor 32 of the server 3completes the document registration or, notifies an abnormality to theresult notification processor 36 if an abnormality occurs during thedocument registration. The step S27 notifies the document registrationresult to the notifying destination specified by the filing driver 44when the result notification processor 36 is notified of the documentregistration completion. In this case, the notifying destination of thedocument registration result is the computer 4 which requested thedocument registration, and the document registration result is notifiedto the application 41. For example, the document registration resultindicates the document registration completion when the resultnotification processor 36 is notified of the document registrationcompletion within a predetermined time, and the document registrationresult indicates a document registration incomplete when the resultnotification processor 36 is not notified of the document registrationcompletion within the predetermined time.

In FIG. 18, the document data is transferred to the server 3 which iscoupled to the computer 4 via the LAN 500, but the server 3 to which thedocument data is transferred does not have to be coupled to the LAN 500.In the case of the network system shown in FIG. 9, the document data maybe transferred for example from the computer 4 which is coupled to theLAN 500-1 to the server 3 of the composite apparatus 1 which is coupledto the remote LAN 500-4 via the network 510. In addition, the notifyingdestination of the document registration result does not have to be thecomputer 4 which makes the document registration request, and may be anycomputer 4 or any composite apparatus 1 within the network system shownin FIG. 9, for example. Furthermore, the notifying destination of thedocument registration result may be set in advance to an addresspeculiar to each filing driver 44 or each filing processor 32, and inthis case, it is possible to give a priority to a notifying destinationwhich is input from the screen 441 of the filing driver 44 if such aninput is made.

The document registration result notification may be made by utilizingthe mail function such as the electronic mail (e-mail).

(2c) Printing From Server 3 Via Remote Server 3:

For example, a description will be given of a processing procedure for acase where a registered document in the server 3 of the compositeapparatus 1 which is coupled to the LAN 500-1 is accessed from thecomputer 4 which is coupled to the same LAN 500-1, and a multi-functionunit 2 of another composite apparatus 1 which is coupled to the remoteLAN 500-4 is instructed to print this registered document. In this case,the LAN 500-4 is coupled to the LAN 500-1 via the network 510.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a print process from the server 3via the remote server 3. In FIG. 20, those parts which are the same asthose corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of the print process from the server 3via the remote server 3. In FIG. 20, S31 through S40 respectivelycorrespond to steps S31 through S40 shown in FIG. 21.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, the step S31 makes an access from the web browser 46of the computer 4 to the registered documents which are registered inthe filing processor 32 of the server 3 that is coupled to the LAN500-1. The step S32 specifies a registered document which is to beprinted, and carries out a print operation for calling the printfunction with respect to the filing processor 32. The step S33 makes anaccess to the routing list 391 of the routing information processor 39from the filing processor 32, and the step S34 displays on a screen 461of the web browser 46 a print destination list which is obtained fromthe routing list 391. The step 35 urges the operator to select the printdestination and to input a notifying destination of a print resultnotification, and the print start is carried out when the printdestination and the notifying destination are specified.

The step S36 calls a print process with respect to the print processor31 from the filing processor 32. The step S37 transfers the print datawhich is related to the registered document and specified from the printprocessor 31 to the server 3 (hereinafter referred to as the otherserver 3) of another composite apparatus 1 which is coupled to theremote LAN 500-4. The step S38 carries out the above described printprocess by the print processor 31 of the other server 3, with respect tothe multi-function unit 2 (hereinafter referred to as the othermulti-function unit 2) which forms the other composite apparatus 1together with the other server 3. The step S39 calls the resultnotification processor 36 within the other server 3 when the printprocess by the other multi-function unit 2 is completed. For example, ifthe notifying destination of the print result notification specified inthe step S35 is the computer 4 which is coupled to the LAN 500-4, thestep S40 makes the print result notification to this computer 4 which iscoupled to the LAN 500-4 from the result notification processor 36within the other server 3. For example, the print result indicates theprint completion when the result notification processor 36 is notifiedof the print completion within a predetermined time, and the printresult indicates a print incomplete when the result notificationprocessor 36 is not notified of the print completion within thepredetermined time.

The print result notification may be made by utilizing the mail functionsuch as the electronic mail (e-mail).

(2d) Document Registration From Server 3 To Remote Server 3:

For example, a description will be given of a processing procedure for acase where a registered document in the server 3 of the compositeapparatus 1 which is coupled to the LAN 500-1 is accessed from thecomputer 4 which is coupled to the same LAN 500-1, and a server 3 ofanother composite apparatus 1 which is coupled to the remote LAN 500-4is instructed to register this registered document. In this case, theLAN 500-4 is coupled to the LAN 500-1 via the network 510.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a document registration from theserver 3 via the remote server 3. In FIG. 22, those parts which are thesame as those corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the samereference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 23is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the document registrationfrom the server 3 via the remote server 3. In FIG. 23, S41 through S48respectively correspond to steps S41 through S48 shown in FIG. 22.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, the step S41 makes an access from the web browser 46of the computer 4 to registered documents which are registered in thefiling processor 32 of the server 3 which is coupled to the LAN 500-1.The step S42 specifies a registered document which is to be registered,and carries out a document registering (or document move or copy)operation with respect to the filing processor 32. The step S43 makes anaccess from the filing processor 32 to the routing list 391 of therouting information processor 39, and the step S44 displays on thescreen 461 of the web browser 46 a document registering destination listwhich is obtained from the routing list 391. The step S45 urges theoperator to select the document registering destination and to input anotifying destination of a document registration result notification onthe screen 461, and the document registration (or document move or copy)start is carried out when the document registering destination and thenotifying destination are specified.

The step S46 transfers the image data related to the registered documentwhich is specified from the filing processor 32 to the filing processor32 within the server 3 (hereinafter referred to as the other server 3)of the other composite apparatus 1 which is coupled to the remote LAN500-4, and moves or copies the image data to the folder 321 of thefiling processor 32 within this other server 3. As a result, thespecified registered document is registered in the folder 321 of thefiling processor 32 within this other server 3. The step S47 calls theresult notification processor 36 within this other server 3 when thedocument registration process to this other server 3 is completed. Forexample, when the notifying destination of the document registrationresult notification specified in the step S45 is the computer 4 which iscoupled to the LAN 500-4, the step S48 makes the document registrationresult notification from the result notification processor 36 within theother server 3 to the computer 4 which is coupled to the LAN 500-4. Forexample, the document registration result indicates the documentregistration completion when the result notification processor 36 isnotified of the document registration completion within a predeterminedtime, and the document registration result indicates a documentregistration incomplete when the result notification processor 36 is notnotified of the document registration completion within thepredetermined time.

The document registration result notification may be made by utilizingthe mail function such as the electronic mail (e-mail).

(2e) Facsimile Transmission From Server 3:

For example, a description will be given of a processing procedure for acase where the image data read by the multi-function unit 2 of thecomposite apparatus 1 which is coupled to the LAN 500-1 is sent to theserver 3 of another composite apparatus 1 which is coupled to the remoteLAN 500-4 by a facsimile transmission. In this case, the LAN 500-4 iscoupled to the LAN 500-1 via the network 510.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a facsimile transmission processfrom the server 3 to the remote server 3. In FIG. 24, those parts whichare the same as those corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated bythe same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.In addition, FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of thefacsimile transmission process from the server to the remote server 3.In FIG. 24, S51 through S60 respectively correspond to steps S51 throughS60 shown in FIG. 25.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, when a facsimile number of a destination is inputand a facsimile transmission operation is made from the operation panel23 of the multi-function unit 2, the step S51 inputs the facsimilenumber and a facsimile transmission request to the panel controller 35of the server 3 which forms the composite apparatus 1 together with themulti-function unit 2. A notifying destination of a facsimiletransmission result which will be described later may be specified inadvance with respect to the facsimile processor 33 or, input andspecified from the operation panel 23 in the step S51. The step S52inputs the image data of the document which is read by the scannerengine 22 of the multi-function unit 2 to the panel controller 35 of theserver 3. The step S53 inputs the facsimile transmission request fromthe panel controller 35 to the facsimile processor 33. The step S54stores the facsimile transmission request in the transmission register312 within the facsimile processor 33.

The step S55 makes an access to the routing list 391 of the routinginformation processor 39, and the step S56 automatically retrieves andselects a route having a minimum transmission cost from the routing list391. The step S57 transfers the image data which is read by the scannerengine 22 of the multi-function unit 2 to the server 3 (hereinafterreferred to as the other server 3) of the other composite apparatus 1which is coupled to the remote LAN 500-4, via the selected route. Thestep S58 transmits the image data from the facsimile processor 33 withinthis other server 3 via the modem 34 within this other server 3 and theline 501, and a facsimile machine or a multi-function unit 2 at thedestination makes a facsimile reception via the line 501. When thefacsimile transmission process by the facsimile processor 33 within theother server 3 is completed, the step S59 makes a facsimile transmissioncomplete notification to the facsimile processor 33 within the server 3which is coupled to the LAN 500-1. In addition, the step S60 makes afacsimile transmission result notification by calling the resultnotification processor 36 within the other server 3 from the facsimileprocessor 33 within this other server 3. For example, when the notifyingdestination of the facsimile transmission result specified in the stepS51 is the computer 4 which is coupled to the LAN 500-4, the step S60makes the facsimile transmission result notification from the resultnotification processor 36 within the other server 3 to the computer 4which is coupled to the LAN 500-4. For example, the facsimiletransmission result indicates the facsimile transmission completion whenthe result notification processor 36 is notified of the facsimiletransmission completion within a predetermined time, and the facsimiletransmission result indicates a facsimile transmission incomplete whenthe result notification processor 36 is not notified of the facsimiletransmission completion within the predetermined time.

The facsimile transmission result notification may be made by utilizingthe mail function such as the electronic mail (e-mail).

(2f) Generation of Routing List 391:

The routing list 391 within the routing information processor 39 may beinput manually at the server 3 or the computer 4 or, generatedautomatically. For example, when inputting the routing list 391 manuallyat the server 3, the routing list 391 is input from an input device ofthe server 3, such as a keyboard and a mouse. For the sake ofconvenience, it is assumed that the input device of the server 3 isincluded in the network processor 30 in FIG. 6. In addition, the routinglist 391 may be copied and transferred from one server 3 to anotherserver 3, and in this case, the transfer process may be carried outsimilarly to the process described above for the case where theregistered document which is registered within one server 3 istransferred to and registered in another server 3.

When automatically generating the routing list 391, it is possible toutilize a directory service which is provided in each network. FIG. 26is a diagram for explaining the automatic generation of the routing list391 in this case, and shows a process carried out by the routinginformation processor 39. In FIG. 26, those parts which are the same asthose corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

For example, directory information 521 related to composite apparatuses1, computers 4 and the like which are coupled to the LANs 500-1 through500-4 is registered in a directory server 520 which is provided withrespect to the LANs 500-1 through 500-4. This directory information 521includes lists of addresses, names, attributes (identifiers) and thelike of equipments such as the composite apparatuses 1 ad the computers4 which are coupled to the LANs 500-1 through 500-4, and these lists areupdated every time an equipment is added or removed with respect to LANs500-1 through 500-4. The attribute (identifier) indicates whether or notthe equipment has a routing function.

In FIG. 26, a step RS1 waits for a specified date and/or time or, adirectory information gathering instruction. A step RS2 makes access toand acquires the directory information 521 from the directory service520 according to a predetermined protocol. A step RS3 generates therouting list 391 based on the directory information 521.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the routing list 391 whichis automatically generated. The routing list 391 shown in FIG. 27 isautomatically updated by repeating the steps RS1 through RS3 describedabove. When the routing list 391 which is required for the routing isautomatically generated and automatically updated in this manner, theoperator of the server 3 need not be aware of the structure of the LANs500-1 through 500-4.

(3) Operation Panel Control Process:

(3a) Display of Telephone Directory:

In this embodiment, the following 3 kinds of functions (i) through (iii)are provided in relation to the display of the telephone directory.

According to the function (i), the server 3 of the composite apparatus 1displays a telephone directory which is based on the telephone numberlist 381 on the operation panel 23 in response to an instruction inputfrom the operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 of thecomposite apparatus 1, by the panel controller 35 and the telephonedirectory processor 38 of the server 3 of the composite apparatus 1. Bydisplaying the telephone directory on the operation panel 23, it becomespossible to select a destination and/or a notifying destination from thedisplayed telephone directory when making a series of operations at thetime of a facsimile transmission or the like. This telephone directoryis also accessible from the side of the computer (client) 4.

According to the function (ii), the transfer of the telephone directorydata from the panel controller 35 to the operation panel 23 is made indata units displayable at one time on the operation panel 23. Byavoiding an extremely large amount of data from being transferred at onetime, it becomes possible to display the telephone directory at a highspeed. In a case where the entire telephone directory cannot bedisplayed within the screen of the operation panel 23, the data after ascroll of the screen is transferred from the panel controller 35 to theoperation panel 23 every time a scroll button on the operational panel23 or the screen is operated. The data once read from the telephonenumber list 381 of the telephone directory processor 38 may be stored ina cache memory within the telephone directory processor 38 or the panelcontroller 35, so as to realize a high-speed data transfer to theoperation panel 23 in response to the scroll of the screen.

According to the function (iii), the contents of the telephone directorywhich is displayed on the screen of the operation panel 23 may berearranged (sorted) in an alphabetical order, order dependent upon thefrequency of use or the like, for example, depending on a selectionwhich is made from the operation panel 23 or a setting which is made inadvance.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for generally explaining a telephone directorydisplay procedure. In FIG. 28, a step S61 inputs a function of themulti-function unit 2 and a display of the telephone directory which areselected by the operator from the operation panel 23. For example, it isassumed for the sake of convenience that the facsimile transmissionfunction is selected as the function of the multi-function unit 2. In astep S62, the panel controller 35 makes an access to and acquires thetelephone number list 381 of the telephone directory processor 38 inresponse to the selection of the display of the telephone directory, anda telephone directory is generated in the telephone directory processor38 based on telephone numbers which are related to the facsimiletransmission function. A step S63 transfers the data amounting to thefirst 1 screen of the telephone directory from the telephone directoryprocessor 38 to the operation panel 23 via the panel controller 35,depending on a sort order which is set in advance, for example. A stepS64 displays the data transferred from the panel controller 35 on theoperation panel 23.

In a step S65, the operator selects the screen scroll and the sort orderfrom the operation panel 23. A step S66 notifies the panel controller 35of the selection contents related to the selection made by the operator,and a step S67 obtains from the telephone directory processor 38 thedata which become necessary depending on the selection contents. In thecase where the cache memory is provided within the telephone directoryprocessor 38 or the panel controller 35, the step S67 reads the datawhich become necessary depending on the selection contents from thiscache memory. A step S68 transfers the data obtained in the step S67 tothe operation panel 23, and a step S69 displays the data transferredfrom the panel controller 35 on the operation panel 23.

In a step S70, the operator makes a selection complete operation fromthe operation panel 23. A step S71 calls a process corresponding to theselected function, in response to this selection complete operation. Inthis case, since the facsimile transmission function is selected, thefacsimile processor 33 starts a process in a step S72 according to thefacsimile transmission function which is called. If a series ofoperations is required by the operator before the selected function iscalled, the step S71 displays a message urging the operator to make theoperation on the operation panel 23 and waits for the operation to bemade.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the display of the telephonedirectory. In FIG. 29, the panel controller 35 waits for an input and/orselection to be made by the operator from the operation panel 23, in astep S81. A step S82 judges the contents of the input and/or selectionwhen the input and/or selection is made from the operation panel 23, andthe process advances to a step S83 if the display of the telephonedirectory is selected. The step S83 makes an access to and acquires thetelephone directory list 391 of the telephone directory processor 38,and obtains from the telephone directory processor 38 the telephonedirectory data corresponding to the selected function.

In relation to the step S83, the telephone directory processor 38 waitsfor a telephone number acquisition request in a step S95, and generatesa telephone directory corresponding to the selected function by readingthe telephone numbers from the telephone number list 381 if thetelephone number acquisition request is received. A step S96 rearranges(sorts) the telephone numbers of the telephone directory in the selectedorder or in the sort order which is set in advance. A step S97 transfersthe data amounting to 1 screen of the sorted telephone directory to thepanel controller 35. A known technique can be used for the sort processitself.

In a step S84, the panel controller 35 displays on the operation panel23 the data amounting to the 1 screen obtained from the telephonedirectory processor 38, and a step S85 waits for an input and/orselection to be made from the operation panel 23. A step S86 judges thecontent of the input and/or selection when the input and/or selection ismade from the operation panel 23. For example, the process advances to astep S87 if an operation such as scroll, switching of the screen, andrearranging (sorting) of the data is made from the operation panel 23,the process advances to a step S89 if a function execution (selectioncomplete) operation is made from the operation panel 23, and the processadvances to a step S91 if a cancel operation is made from the operationpanel 23.

The step S87 obtains the data of the screen which is requested to bedisplayed from the telephone directory processor 38, depending on theoperation such as scroll, switching of the screen, and rearranging(sorting) of the data made from the operation panel 23. A step S88transfers the data obtained in the step S87 to the operation panel 23 todisplay the data on the operation panel 23. The process returns to thestep S81 after the step S88.

The step S89 erases the display of the telephone directory on theoperation panel 23, depending on the function execution operation madefrom the operation panel 23. A step S90 calls a process corresponding tothe selected function. Since the facsimile transmission function isselected in this case, the step S90 calls the facsimile transmissionfunction and a corresponding process of the facsimile processor 33 isstarted. The process returns to the step S81 after the step S90.

The step S91 erases the display on the operation panel 23 depending onthe cancel operation made from the operation panel 23, and the processreturns to the step S81.

(3b) Customizing of Operation Panel 23:

In this embodiment, the following functions (iv) through (vi) areprovided in relation to the customization of the operation panel 23.

According to the function (iv), it is possible to customize the displaycontents on the operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 and theoperation that is carried out when the operation panel 23 is operated.

According to the function (v), it is possible to edit the arrangement ofthe buttons and input items and the display contents on the operationpanel 23. In addition, it is possible to define a series of operationscorresponding to the selection of each of the buttons and each of theinput items.

In addition, according to the function (vi), it is possible to selectitems (functions) such as the facsimile transmission and the documentregistration and to specify a processing script when defining the seriesof operations corresponding to the selection of each of the buttons andeach of the input items.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for generally explaining an operation panelcustomizing procedure for customizing the operation panel 23. In a stepS101 shown in FIG. 30, the operator makes an edit operation with respectto the display contents and the like of the operation panel 23. A stepS102 transfers definition information related to an edit process of theoperation panel 23 to the panel controller 35, so that the definitioninformation is stored in a memory within the panel controller 35. Thesteps S101 and S102 are carried out in response to an instruction fromthe input device of the server 3, for example, but these steps S101 andS102 may be carried out in response to an instruction from the operationpanel 23 of the multi-function unit 2 which forms the compositeapparatus 1 together with the server 3 or, in response to an instructionfrom the computer 4 which is coupled to the same LAN as the server 3.The definition information related to the edit process of the operationpanel 23 includes information shown in the lower part of FIG. 30, forexample. In the definition information shown in FIG. 30, a process“register” is defined with respect to a part type “button”, a name“store” and a button position “2.1”, for example.

A step S103 inputs information corresponding to the operation made fromthe operation panel 23 to the panel controller 35, and a step S104 makesaccess to the definition information based on the information receivedfrom the operation panel 23. A step S105 selects a functioncorresponding to the accessed definition information. IF the facsimilefunction is selected, for example, the facsimile transmission process ofthe facsimile processor 33 is started. A step S106 notifies the panelcontroller 35 of a process result of the selected function, and a stepS107 displays this process result on the operation panel 23. In thiscase, if the facsimile function is selected, the step S106 notifies thepanel controller 35 of a facsimile process result of the facsimileprocessor 33, and the step S107 displays the facsimile process result onthe operation panel 23.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart for explaining customizing of the operationpanel 23. In a step S111 shown in FIG. 31, the panel controller 35 waitsfor an input and/or selection to be made from the operation panel 23. Astep S112 makes an access to a definition information 600 when the inputand/or selection is made from the operation panel 23. Based on thedefinition information 600, a step S113 judges the contents of a processwhich is to be carried out depending on the input and/or selection madefrom the operation panel 23. A step S114 calls a process having thejudged contents and waits for a notification of a process result relatedto this process. A step S115 displays the process result on theoperation panel 23 when the notification of the process result isreceived, and the process returns to the step S111.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart for explaining a data acquisition process on theoperation panel 23. The process shown in FIG. 32 may be carried out bythe equipment state managing part 27 or, by a CPU provided within theoperation panel 23 if the operation panel 23 is provided with such aCPU.

In FIG. 32, a step S121 decides whether or not an input and/or selectionis made from the operation panel 23. If the decision result in the stepS121 is YES, a step S122 decides whether or not the data to be displayedon the operation panel 23 is an internal display data of themulti-function unit 2, depending on the input and/or selection made fromthe operation panel 23. If the decision result in the step S122 is YES,a step S123 displays the internal display data on the operation panel23, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S122 is NO, a stepS124 generates a data request command in order to request the datanecessary for the display to the panel controller 35 of the server 3. Astep S125 transmits the generated data request command to the panelcontroller 35. A step S126 decides whether or not a response to the datarequest command is received from the panel controller 35, and theprocess advances to a step S127 if the decision result in the step S126becomes YES. The step S127 displays the display data received from thepanel controller 35 on the operation panel 23, and the process ends. Inthe case described above, the display data received from the panelcontroller 35 is the telephone directory data.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart for explaining a data selection process from theoperation panel 23. The process shown in FIG. 33 may be carried out bythe equipment state managing part 27 or, by a CPU provided within theoperation panel 23 if the operation panel 23 is provided with such aCPU.

In FIG. 33, a step S131 decides whether or not an input and/or selectionis made from the operation panel 23. If the decision result in the stepS131 is YES, a step S132 decides whether or not the input and/orselection is made from table data. In the case described above, thetable data is the telephone directory data. Accordingly, the step S132decides whether or not a certain item is selected from the table datasuch as the telephone directory, and the process ends if the decisionresult in the step S132 is NO.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S132 is YES, astep S133 displays the selected item of the table data in the form of areversed display on the operation panel 23. Of course, a method otherthan the reversed display may be used as long as the display methodenables the selected item of the table data to be distinguished from thenon-selected items of the table data. A step S134 generates a dataselection command indicating the item selected from the table data, anda step S135 transmits this data selection command to the panelcontroller 35 of the server 3. A step S136 confirms a response from thepanel controller 35 with respect to the data selection command, and theprocess ends when it is confirmed that the item is selected normally.

(4) OCR Control Process:

(4a) Title Extraction Process When Registering Document:

In this embodiment, when registering the document (image data) which isobtained by reading the document by the scanner engine 22 of themulti-function unit 2 or by a facsimile reception, a title within theread or received image data is automatically extracted and used as thetitle of the document. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to carry outa troublesome operation of inputting the title of each document.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the title extraction process whenreading the document. In FIG. 34, those parts which are the same asthose corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, FIG.35 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the title extractionprocess when reading the document. In FIG. 34, S141 through S144respectively correspond to steps S141 through S144 shown in FIG. 35.

In FIGS. 34 and 35, when an operation related to a document registrationis made from the operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2, thestep S141 transmits input information from the operation panel 23 to thefiling processor 32 via the panel controller 35 of the server 3. Inaddition, the step S142 transmits the image data read from the documentby the scanner engine 22 of the multi-function unit 2 to the filingprocessor 32 via the panel controller 35 of the server 3. In the stepS143, the OCR processor 322 extracts a title portion of the image dataread from the document and recognizes characters within the titleportion, by a known method. The step S144 sets the recognized characterswithin the title portion as the title of the document, and registers thetitle and the document in the folder 321.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a title extraction process whenmaking a facsimile reception. In FIG. 36, those parts which are the sameas those corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the samereference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. Inaddition, FIG. 37 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of thetitle extraction process when making the facsimile reception. In FIG.36, S151 through S153 respectively correspond to steps S151 through S153shown in FIG. 37.

In FIGS. 36 and 37, the step S151 receives by a facsimile receptionimage data from a facsimile machine, another composite apparatus 1 or acomputer 4 via the LAN 500 or via the line 501, and transmits the imagedata to the facsimile processor 33. The image data received via the LAN500 is transmitted to the facsimile processor 33 via the networkprocessor 30, while the image data received via the line 501 istransmitted to the facsimile processor 33 via the modem 34. In the stepS152, the OCR processor 322 extracts a title portion of the receivedimage data and recognizes characters within the title portion, by aknown method. The step S153 sets the recognized characters within thetitle portion as the title of the document, and instructs the facsimileprocessor 33 to register the title and the document in the receptionregister 311.

(4b) Distribution To Folder 321 When Registering Document:

In this embodiment, when registering the document (image data) which isread by the scanner engine 22 of the multi-function unit 2 or obtainedby the facsimile reception, the characters within the read or receivedimage data are recognized, and the document is distributed to a folderpart which is defined in advance based on a recognition result. Acharacter recognition position may be set arbitrarily to a positionwhich is defined in advance, a part where a specified character exists,a part which is recognized as the title by the title extracting processdescribed above, or the like. In other words, the character recognitionposition may be set in advance or specified. In addition, depending onthe setting of definition information of the folder part where thedocument is to be distributed, it is possible to notify the characterrecognition position to the computer 4 or the composite apparatus 1having the address which is specified when the document is distributedto the folder part by using the mail function or the like.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a distribution process to a folderpart when registering a document. In FIG. 38, those parts which are thesame as those corresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the samereference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. Inaddition, FIG. 39 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of thedistribution process to the folder part when registering the document.In FIG. 38, S161 through S169 respectively correspond to steps S161through S169 shown in FIG. 39.

In FIGS. 38 and 39, when an operation related to the documentregistration is made from the operation panel 23 of the multi-functionunit 2, the step S161 transmits input information from the operationpanel 23 to the filing processor 32 via the panel controller 35 of theserver 3. In addition, the step S162 transmits the image data read fromthe document by the scanner engine 22 of the multi-function unit 2 tothe filing processor 32 via the panel controller 35 of the server 3. Thestep S163 calls the document registration process from the panelcontroller 35 with respect to the filing processor 32, and in the stepS164, the OCR processor 322 recognizes the character at the characterrecognition position which is set in advance or is specified.

The step S165 makes a reference to a distribution information list 323of the filing processor 32 based on a character recognition result, andthe step S166 retrieves a distributing destination from the distributioninformation list 323. The step S167 registers the document at thedistributing destination. The step S168 decides whether or not anotification is specified in the folder information list 323 at thedistributing destination. If the decision result in the step S168 isYES, the step S169 notifies the specified notifying destination of adistribution result to the folder part. The specified notifyingdestination may be the computer 4 which is coupled to the LAN 500, forexample, and the distribution result may be notified using the mailfunction or the like.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart for explaining the distribution process to thefolder part when registering the document. In a step S171 shown in FIG.40, the panel controller 35 waits for an input and/or selection relatedto the document registration from the operation panel 23. When the inputand/or selection is made from the operation panel 23, a step S172 judgesthe kind of document registration. For example, if the documentregistration relates to the registration of the image data of thedocument which is read, the process advances to a step S173, and theimage data from the scanner engine 22 is input. In addition, a step S174calls a document registration process with respect to the filingprocessor 32.

In the filing processor 32, when the document registration process iscalled from the panel controller 35, a step S181 makes an access to thedistribution information list 323. A step S182 instructs the OCRprocessor 322 to carry out a character recognition within a rangedepending on the distribution information list 323. Contents shown inFIG. 41 are included in the distribution information list 323.

In the distribution information list 323 shown in FIG. 41, thedistribution method is classified into a distribution based on characterrecognition and a distribution based on other methods. In the case ofthe distribution based on the character recognition, a recognition of aretrieved character in a specified range is selected by an input code“00”, a recognition of a retrieved character within a text or body ofthe document is selected by an input code “01”, and a recognition of aretrieved character within a title of the document is selected by aninput code “03”. On the other hand, in the case of the distributionbased on other methods, a recognition of a retrieved character within aspecified range is selected by specifying ranges x1 through y2 indicatedon the right-hand side in FIG. 41. In addition, the distributioninformation list 323 also includes a number of distributingdestinations, a distributing destination (folder part) within the folder321, a retrieval condition and the like.

In the OCR processor 322, if a character recognition is instructed fromthe filing processor 32, a step S191 carries out a character recognitionby automatically extracting a title portion, and a step S192 carries outa character recognition within a range subject to the distribution.Recognition results of the steps S191 and S192 are supplied to thefiling processor 32.

A step S183 retrieves a distributing destination based on thedistribution information list 323. A step S184 decides whether or not acorresponding distributing destination (folder part) exists in thedistribution information list 323. If the decision result in the stepS184 is NO, a step S185 sets the document registering destination to afolder part which is used when the distribution is unsuccessful. If thedecision result in the step S184 is YES or after the step S185, a stepS186 registers the document in the corresponding folder part. A stepS187 decides whether or not a notification or a notifying destination isspecified in a folder information list 324 with respect to the folderpart at the registering destination. The folder information list 324includes information shown in FIG. 42. The folder information list 324shown in FIG. 42 includes a folder part name, existence of specifiednotification, notifying method, and notifying destination.

If the decision result in the step S187 is NO, the process of the filingprocessor 32 ends, and the process moves to the process of the panelcontroller 35. On the other hand, if the decision result in the stepS187 is YES, a step S188 instructs the result notification processor 36to make a document registration result notification to an address whichis specified as the notifying destination in the folder information list324. In the result notification processor 36, a step S199 notifies thedocument registration result to the specified address using the mailfunction, for example, in response to the instruction from the filingprocessor 32. After the step S199, the process moves to the process ofthe panel controller 35.

(4c) Specifying Process Content After Distribution When RegisteringDocument:

In this embodiment, when registering the document (image data) which isread by the scanner engine 22 of the multi-function unit 2 or obtainedby the facsimile reception, the character within the read or obtainedimage data is recognized, and a process which is specified in advance iscarried out based on a recognition result.

FIG. 43 is a flow chart for explaining a processing content specifyingprocess after the distribution when registering the document. In FIG.43, those parts which are the same as those corresponding parts in FIG.40 are designated by the same reference numerals, and a descriptionthereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 43, when a document registration process is called from thepanel controller 35, the filing processor 32 makes an access to thedistribution information list 323 in the step S181. The step S182instructs the OCR processor 322 to carry out a character recognitionwithin a range depending on the distribution information list 323.Contents shown in FIG. 44 are included in the distribution informationlist 323.

In FIG. 44, those parts which are the same as those corresponding partsin FIG. 41 are designated by the same reference numerals, and adescription thereof will be omitted. The distribution information list323 shown in FIG. 44 includes a distributing destination (folder part)within the folder 321, retrieving condition, process, and the like. In acase where “process execution” is specified as the distributingdestination, a procedure of the process is specified in an item“process”. When “all” is specified in “retrieving condition”, allprocesses which follow are carried out.

In the OCR processor 322, if a character recognition is instructed fromthe filing processor 32, the step S191 carries out a characterrecognition by automatically extracting a title portion, and the stepS192 carries out a character recognition within a range subject to thedistribution. Recognition results of the steps S191 and S192 aresupplied to the filing processor 32.

The step S183 retrieves a distributing destination based on thedistribution information list 323. A step S201 decides whether or notthe “process execution” is specified at a corresponding distributingdestination (folder part) in the distribution information list 323. Ifthe decision result in the step S201 is NO, a step S202 registers thedocument in the corresponding folder part, and processes similar tothose shown in FIG. 40 may be carried out thereafter. On the other hand,if the decision result in the step S201 is YES, a step S203 carries outa process specified by the item “process” in the distributioninformation list 323, and the process moves to the process of the panelcontroller 35.

(5) Operation Managing Process:

(5a) Accounting By ID Input:

In this embodiment, accounting with respect to operations carried out bythe operator, such as copying, facsimile transmission and documentregistration, is managed by inputting an identification (ID) of theoperator from the operation panel 23 of the multi-function unit 2. It ispossible to prevent unauthorized use of the composite apparatus 1 andthe network system which includes this composite apparatus 1 by adding apassword to the ID. In addition, it is possible to specify a process foreach ID by defining attribute information in advance with respect toeach ID. For example, a process which may be specified by the attributeinformation includes a registration of a document to a specific folderpart of an individual or department, a result notification of afacsimile transmission or document registration, and the like.

FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining an accounting process by inputtingthe ID. In FIG. 45, those parts which are the same as thosecorresponding parts in FIG. 6 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, FIG.46 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of the accounting processby inputting the ID. In FIG. 45, S211 through S224 respectivelycorrespond to steps S211 through S224 shown in FIG. 46.

For the sake of convenience, a description will be given of theaccounting process for a case where the copying function of themulti-function unit 2 is used. In FIGS. 45 and 46, the step S211transmits the ID and the password input from the operation panel 23 ofthe multi-function unit 2 to the panel controller 35 of the server 3.The step S212 retrieves an ID list 351 within the panel controller 35based on the input ID and password, and decides whether or not the IDand the password correspond to each other and the ID is authorized touse the composite apparatus 1 and the network system which includes thiscomposite apparatus 1. If the decision result in the step S212 is NO,the step S213 outputs an error notification to the operation panel 23.On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S212 is YES, thestep S214 notifies the operation managing processor 37 that the ID isalready checked. The step S215 outputs a copy operation authorization tothe equipment state managing part 27 of the multi-function unit 2 inresponse to this notification indicating that the ID is already checked.If an amount used which is not yet stored exists with respect to thesame ID due to an unsuccessful notification of the amount used by animmediately preceding process or the like, the step S216 notifies theamount used which is not yet stored to the operation managing processor37, and the step S217 stores this amount used in an accounting log 371of the operation managing processor 37 together with the ID. Inaddition, the step S218 carries out a copying process using the scannerengine 22 and the printer engine 21.

The step S219 decides whether or not an end of the copying process isinstructed from the operation panel 23 or, whether or not a time whichis measured by a timer within the panel controller 35 and during whichno copying process is carried out exceeds a predetermined time. When thedecision result in the step S219 becomes YES, the step S220 transmits acopy operation stop instruction to the operation managing processor 37.As a result, the step S221 notifies the equipment state managing part 27of the copy operation stop, and the step S222 stops the copying processof the multi-function unit 2. When the copying process of themulti-function unit 2 stops, the step S223 notifies the operationmanaging processor 37 of the amount used by the copying process, and thestep S224 stores the notified amount used in the accounting log 371together with the ID.

FIG. 47 is a flow chart for explaining the accounting process by the IDinput. In FIG. 47, the panel controller 35 waits for the ID and thepassword to be input from the operation panel 23 in a step S231. Whenthe ID and the password are input from the operation panel 23, a stepS232 retrieves the ID list 351 based on the input ID and password. FIG.48 is a diagram showing the ID list 351. In FIG. 48, an encipheredpassword and attribute information are stored with respect to each ID,and the attribute information specifies a notification of a facsimiletransmission or document registration result to a notifying destination“NOTIFY” and a registration process to a specific folder part “FOLDER”.

A step S233 decides whether or not the input ID and password match an IDand password included in the ID list 351. If the decision result in thestep S233 is NO, a step S234 displays on the operation panel 23 amessage which indicates that no corresponding ID is found, and theprocess of the panel controller 35 returns to the step S231. On theother hand, if the decision result in the step S233 is YES, a step S235notifies the operation managing processor 37 that the ID is alreadychecked. A step S236 waits for an operation input from the operationpanel 23 of the multi-function unit 2.

When the operation managing processor 37 receives the notification fromthe panel controller 35 that the ID is already checked, a step S251notifies the multi-function unit 2 of the copy operation authorization.If an amount used which is not yet stored exists with respect to thesame ID due to an unsuccessful notification of the amount used by animmediately preceding process or the like, a step S261 notifies thisamount used which is not yet stored to the operation managing processor37. In the operation managing processor 37, a step S252 stores thisamount used in the accounting log 371 of the operation managingprocessor 37 together with the ID, and notifies the panel controller 35of this storage to the accounting log 371. FIG. 49 is a diagram showingthe accounting log 371. As shown in FIG. 49, the accounting log 371stores a date, time, ID, amount used for each paper size, that is,number of paper/sides used and the like, and it is possible to store arate (price) directly in place of the amount used. In addition, in themulti-function unit 2, a step S262 carries out a copying process usingthe scanner engine 22 and the printer engine 21.

In the panel controller 35, a step S237 decides whether or not an end ofthe copying process is instructed from the operation panel 23 or,whether or not a time which is measured by a timer within the panelcontroller 35 and during which no copying process is carried out exceedsa predetermined time. If the decision result in the step S237 is NO, astep S238 continues the process in the multi-function unit 2, and theprocess of the panel controller 35 returns to the step S236. On theother hand, if the decision result in the step S237 is YES, a step S239notifies the operation managing processor 37 of the end of the operationwith respect to the present ID, and the process of the panel controller35 returns to the step S231.

In the operation managing processor 37, a step S253 notifies a copyoperation stop to the equipment state managing part 27 of themulti-function unit 2 in response to a copy operation stop instruction.In the multi-function unit 2, a step S263 stops the copying process ofthe multi-function unit 2 and notifies the operation managing processor37 of the amount used by the copying process. In the operation managingprocessor 37, the notified amount used is stored in the accounting log371 together with the ID, and the panel controller 35 is notified ofthis storage to the accounting log 371 in a step S254.

(5b) Load Reducing Process of Equipment State Display:

In this embodiment, state information related to the operation state ofthe composite apparatus 1, the state of the supplies (such as toner,developing agent and photoconductive body), and the like is accessiblefrom the web browser 46 or the like of the computer 4 within the networksystem. In this case, if the access to the state information is madesimultaneously from a plurality of computers 4 or the like or, if theaccess to the state information from the computer 4 or the like isunconditionally permitted, there is a possibility that an extremelylarge load will be applied on the server 3 of the composite apparatus 1which is accessed. Hence, in this embodiment, the operation managingprocessor 37 of the server 3 stores the state information of thecomposite apparatus 1 at predetermined time intervals, and the load onthe server 3 is reduced by returning the stored state information whenan access to the state information is made at a frequency higher thanthe predetermined time intervals.

FIG. 50 is a flow chart for explaining the load reducing process for theequipment state display. In FIG. 50, when a state information accessrequest which requests an access to the state information of themulti-function unit 2 is made from the web browser 46 of the computer 4,this state information access request is transmitted to the resultnotification processor 36 via the network processor 30 of the server 3.In the result notification processor 36, a step S271 requestsnotification of the state information of the multi-function unit 2 withrespect to the operation managing processor 37.

In the operation managing processor 37, a step S281 waits until apredetermined time elapses or, until a request for a state informationgathering process is received. A step S282 decides whether or not therequest for the state information gathering process is received, and theprocess advances to a step S285 which will be described later, so as todecide whether or not a request for a state information notification isreceived, if the decision result in the step S282 is YES. On the otherhand, if the decision result in the step S282 is NO, a step S283 makesan access to the equipment state managing part 27 of the multi-functionunit 2 and gathers the state information of the multi-function unit 2. Astep S284 stores the gathered state information in a state informationlist 377.

When the decision result in the step S285 becomes YES, a step S286acquires the stored state information by accessing the state informationlist 377. Then, a step S287 notifies the result notification processor36 of the acquired state information. In the result notificationprocessor 36, a step S272 waits for an equipment state notificationresult, and the web browser 46 at the request source is notified of theequipment state notification result.

Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, butvarious variations and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

1. A server connectable via a network to clients and equipments whichhave at least a print related function, comprising: print relatedprogrammed processors controlling operations and/or operation requestsfor the equipments with the at least one print related functionaccording to operation protocols for the equipments; a routinginformation processor storing a routing list for access via requestsfrom the equipments with the at least one print related function and theclients, the routing list storing at least a network name and a networkaddress of the equipments with the at least one print related functionor other servers coupled to the network; and a print processor having aspool part in which print related data received from the equipments withthe at least one print related function and/or the clients are queuedand transferred to the equipments with the at least one print relatedfunction or to the other servers to perform print related processing,according to a transmitting destination of the print related dataspecified based upon the routing list requested by the equipments withthe at least one print related function and the clients, wherein theprint related processing is according to the print related programmedprocessors and the operation protocols of the equipments with the atleast one print related function.
 2. The server as claimed in claim 1,which further comprises: a result notification processor notifying aspecified notifying destination of a process result in response to aprint process carried out by said print processor.
 3. The server asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said result notification processor notifiesthe specified notifying source of the process result using a mailfunction.
 4. The server as claimed in claim 1, wherein said routinginformation processor automatically generates the routing list byaccessing a directory service provided in the network.
 5. The server asclaimed in claim 1, which further comprises: a panel controllerexchanging information with operation panels of the equipments with theat least print related function according to the operation protocol ofthe equipments, said panel controller customizing display contents onthe equipment operation panels and operations carried out via theequipment operation panels.
 6. The server as claimed in claim 1, whichfurther comprises: a panel controller exchanging information withoperation panels of the equipments with the at least print relatedfunction according to the operation protocols of the equipments, saidpanel controller editing arrangements of buttons and input items anddisplay contents on the equipment operation panels, in response tooperations made on the equipment operation panels, so as to define aseries of operations corresponding to a selection of each button andeach input item.
 7. The server as claimed in claim 6, wherein said panelcontroller selects items such as facsimile and document registration andspecifies a processing script when defining a series of operations inresponse to the operations made on the operation panels of theequipments.
 8. The server as claimed in claim 1, which furthercomprises: a panel controller exchanging information with operationpanels of the equipments with the at least print related functionaccording to the operation protocols of the equipments, said panelcontroller carrying out an accounting management with respect to eachoperation for each identification (ID) based on an ID input from theequipment operation panels.
 9. The server as claimed in claim 1, whichfurther comprises: an operation management processor storing stateinformation including operation states of the equipments with the atleast one print function and states of supplies at predetermined timeintervals, and providing the stored state information in response to anaccess to the stored state information at a frequency higher than thepredetermined time intervals.
 10. A server connectable via a network toclients and equipments which have at least a scanner function,comprising: a filing processor controlling operations and/or operationrequests for the equipments with the at least scanner function accordingto operation protocols for the equipments, storing in a folder imagedata of documents received from the equipments with the at least scannerfunction and/or the clients, and carrying out a document registrationprocess by controlling input and output of the image data with respectto the folder; and a routing information processor storing a routinglist for access via requests from the equipments with the at leastscanner function and the clients, the routing list storing at least anetwork name and a network address of equipments with the at leastscanner function or other servers coupled to the network, wherein thedocument image data storing and registration process in the folder isaccording to a transmitting destination of image data specified basedupon the routing list requested by the equipments with the at leastscanner function and the clients and according to the operationprotocols of the equipments with the at least scanner function.
 11. Theserver as claimed in claim 10, which further comprises: a resultnotification processor notifying a notifying destination which isspecified or set in advance of a process result in response to adocument registration process carried out by said filing processor. 12.The server as claimed in claim 11, wherein said result notificationprocessor notifies the notifying source of the process result using amail function.
 13. The server as claimed in clam 10, wherein saidrouting information processor automatically generates the routing listby accessing a directory service provided in the network.
 14. The serveras claimed in claim 10, which further comprises: an optical characterreader (OCR) processor automatically extracting titles from the imagedata of the documents received from the equipments with the east leastscanner function, received from the clients, or received by a facsimiletransmission, and setting the extracted titles as titles of the imagedata when storing the image data in the folder.
 15. The server asclaimed in claim 10, which further comprises: an optical characterreader (OCR) processor automatically recognizing characters in the imagedata of the documents received from the equipments with the at leastscanner function, received from the clients or received by a facsimiletransmission when storing the image data of the documents in the folder,said filing processor distributing the image data of the documents topre-defined folder parts of the folder based on recognition results ofsaid OCR processor.
 16. The server as claimed in claim 10, which furthercomprises: an optical character reader (OCR) processor automaticallyrecognizing characters in the image data of the documents received fromthe equipments with the at least scanner function, received from theclients or received by a facsimile transmission when storing the imagedata of the documents in the folder, said filing processor carrying outprocesses which is specified in advance based on recognition results ofsaid OCR processor.
 17. The server as claimed in claim 10, which furthercomprises: a panel controller exchanging information with operationpanels of the equipments with the at least scanner according to theoperation protocols of the equipments, said panel controller customizingdisplay contents on the equipment operation panels and operationscarried out via the equipment operation panels.
 18. The server asclaimed in claim 10, which further comprises: a panel controllerexchanging information with operation panels of the equipments with theat least scanner according to the operation protocols of the equipments,said panel controller editing arrangements of buttons and input itemsand display contents on the equipment operation panels, in response tooperations made on the equipment operation panels, so as to define aseries of operations corresponding to a selection of each button andeach input item.
 19. The server as claimed in claim 18, wherein saidpanel controller selects items such as facsimile and documentregistration and specifies a processing script when defining a series ofoperations in response to the operations made on the equipment operationpanels.
 20. The server as claimed in claim 10, which further comprises:a panel controller exchanging information with operation panels of theequipments with the at least scanner according to the operationprotocols of the equipments, said panel controller carrying outaccounting management with respect to each operation for eachidentification (ID) based on an ID input from the equipment operationpanels.
 21. The server as claimed in claim 10, which further comprises:an operation management processor storing state information includingoperation states of the equipments with the at least scanner and statesof supplies at predetermined time intervals, and providing the storedstate information in response to an access to the stored stateinformation at a frequency higher than the predetermined time intervals.22. A server connectable via a network to clients and to equipmentswhich have at least a scanner function, comprising: a facsimileprocessor storing in a reception register and a transmission registerimage data received from the clients and/or the equipments with the atleast scanner function according to operation protocols for theequipments, and controlling facsimile transmission and reception of theimage data; and a routing information processor storing a routing listfor access via requests from the equipments with the at least scannerfunction and the clients, the routing list storing at least a networkname and a network address of the equipments with the at least scannerfunction or other servers coupled to the network, wherein said facsimileprocessor automatically retrieving and selecting a route having aminimum transmission cost by accessing the routing list depending on atransmitting destination of the image data specified based upon therouting list requested by an equipment with the at least scannerfunction or a client.
 23. The server as claimed in claim 22, whichfurther comprises: a result notification processor notifying a notifyingdestination which is specified or set in advance of a process result inresponse to a facsimile transmission and reception process carried outby said facsimile processor.
 24. The server as claimed in claim 23,wherein said result notification processor notifies the notifying sourceof the process result using a mail function.
 25. The server as claimedin claim 22, wherein said routing information processor automaticallygenerates the routing list by accessing a directory service provided inthe network.
 26. The server as claimed in claim 22, which furthercomprises: a panel controller exchanging information with operationpanels of the equipments with the at least scanner, said panelcontroller customizing display contents on the equipment operationpanels and operations carried via the equipment operation panels. 27.The server as claimed in claim 22, which further comprises: a panelcontroller exchanging information with operation panels of the equipmentwith the at least scanner, said panel controller editing arrangements ofbuttons and input items and display contents on the equipment operationpanels, in response to operations made on the equipment operationpanels, so as to define a series of operations corresponding to aselection of each button and each input item.
 28. The server as claimedin claim 27, wherein said panel controller selects an item such asfacsimile and document registration and specifies processing scriptswhen defining a series of operations in response to operations made onthe equipment operation panels.
 29. The server as claimed in claim 22,which further comprises: a panel controller exchanging information withoperation panels of the equipment with the at least scanner, said panelcontroller carrying out an accounting management with respect to eachoperation for each identification (ID) based on an ID input from theequipment operation panels.
 30. The server as claimed in claim 22, whichfurther comprises: an operation management processor storing stateinformation including operation state information of the equipments withthe at least scanner and states of supplies at predetermined timeintervals, and providing the stored state information in response to anaccess to the stored state information at a frequency higher than thepredetermined time intervals.
 31. A server connectable via a network toan equipment that has a scanner function and an operation panel,comprising: a facsimile processor having a reception register and atransmission register which store image data, and controlling facsimiletransmission and reception of the image data; and a telephone directoryprocessor having a telephone number list which stores names andtelephone numbers, and controlling input and output of a telephonenumber used for a facsimile process, and said telephone directoryprocessor generating in response to a telephone number acquisitionrequest from the scanner equipment, a telephone directory based upon thetelephone number list, wherein the telephone directory is sent anddisplayed on the operation panel of the scanner equipment, wherein thereception register of the facsimile processor stores image data receivedfrom the scanner equipment for facsimile processing by the transmissionregister according to a transmitting destination of the image dataspecified based upon the telephone directory sent to the scannerequipment.
 32. The server as claimed in claim 31, which furthercomprises: a panel controller controlling the operation panel of thescanner equipment, receiving the telephone directory from said telephonedirectory processor, and sending and displaying the telephone directoryon the operation panel of the scanner equipment in response to anoperation from the operation panel, so as to urge input and/or selectionof a destination of a facsimile transmission.
 33. The server as claimedin claim 32, wherein said panel controller transfers data of thetelephone directory to the operation panel of the scanner equipment indata units displayable at one time on the operation panel of the scannerequipment.
 34. The server as claimed in claim 31, which furthercomprises: a result notification processor notifying a notifyingdestination which is specified or set in advance of a process result inresponse to a facsimile transmission and reception process carried outby said facsimile processor.
 35. The server as claimed in claim 34,wherein said result notification processor notifies the notifying sourceof the process result using a mail function.
 36. The server as claimedin claim 34, which further comprises: a panel controller controlling theoperation panel of the scanner equipment, receiving the telephonedirectory from said telephone directory processor, and sending anddisplaying the telephone directory on the operation panel of the scannerequipment in response to an operation from the operation panel, so as tourge input and/or selection of a destination of a facsimiletransmission.
 37. The server as claimed in claim 31, wherein saidtelephone directory processor sorts contents of the telephone directoryin a sort order which is set in advance or is specified from theoperation panel of the scanner equipment.
 38. The server as claimed inclaim 31, which further comprises: a panel controller exchanginginformation an operation panel of the scanner equipment, said panelcontroller customizing display contents on the scanner operation paneland operations carried via the scanner operation panel.
 39. The serveras claimed in claim 31, which further comprises: a panel controllerexchanging information with an operation panel of the scanner equipment,said panel controller editing arrangements of buttons and input itemsand display contents on the scanner operation panel, in response to anoperation made on the scanner operation panel, so as to define a seriesof operations corresponding to a selection of each button and each inputitem.
 40. The server as claimed in claim 39, wherein said panelcontroller selects an item such as facsimile and document registrationand specifies a processing script when defining a series of operationsin response to the operation made on the scanner operation panel. 41.The server as claimed in claim 31, which further comprises: a panelcontroller exchanging information with an operation panel of the scannerequipment, said panel controller carrying out an accounting managementwith respect to each operation for each identification (ID) based on anID input from the scanner operation panel.
 42. The server as claimed inclaim 31, which further comprises: an operation management processorstoring state information which includes an operation state of thescanner equipment and states of supplies at predetermined timeintervals, and providing the stored state information in response to anaccess to the stored state information at a frequency higher than thepredetermined time intervals.